More than 80 people - and quite a few furry animals - packed into St. Peter's Episcopal Church on October 8 for the church's annual blessing of the animals ceremony.

Held during the church's regular Sunday service, the blessing was held in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. During the ceremony, the Rev. Scott Ciosek invited owners and their pets up to receive blessings.

"For most people pets are part of the family, so they ask for God's blessing," Ciosek said. "It's just really beautiful to see."

Advertised through the church's Facebook page, the event attracted more than 80 people, from long-time parishioners to newbies checking out the church and its services,  Ciosek said.

"The turnout was incredible, and people came from all walks of life," Ciosek said.